** Hey! I'm not ignoring the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival! I've included my picks for the first five days here.
Saskatoon & Area
Shining Country Star
She's toured North America with heavy hitters like Dierks Bently, Brad Paisley and Reba McEntire. Now, Crystal Shawanda is out on her own.
The Juno nominations came out this week. And it's a banner year for the kwe. The women. Tanya tagaq received three nods, while Crystal Shawanda, Leela Gilday and Digging Roots co-led by the incomparable Shoshona Kish were all nominated in the Aboriginal recording of the year category. Rounding out the list is Tomson Highway. Unreserved talks to Alan Greyeyes, the chair of the Aboriginal music category about the need for this award. (crystalshawanda.co)
The Ontario singer celebrates her First Nations culture and the music she loves in every performance.
Shawanda has a voice that's gotten her noticed all over the place--from a Juno win in 2013 to a performance beside the White House on Inauguration Day.
This weekend, she'll be sharing her talent here in this province.
Friday night Shawanda will play the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford. Saturday, it's a show at the Dakota Dunes Casino and Sunday, Shawanda will play Prince Albert's Northern Lights Casino.
Drum Song
It's a celebration of culture, spirit and family at Wanuskewin Heritage Park this weekend.
Dancers will be competing for cash prizes at Wanuskewin this weekend. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)
More than three thousand people are expected to attend this year's powwow.
Traditional games, arts and crafts will be on site for the kids.
There will be plenty of entertainment by local drumming groups.
Competitors will be giving their all, dancing for $45,000 in prizes.
It's three days full of colour, pride and pageantry happening in Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
Turn Back Time
It's a double bill that could have you reliving the glory days.
The timeless Queen of Pop is bringing her Dress To Kill tour to Saskatoon. (cher.com)
Two huge musical acts are teaming up, hoping you're going to sing along.
Cher and Cyndi Lauper are bringing their Dressed To Kill tour to Saskatoon this weekend.
Cher is calling this her farewell, farewell tour and Lauper is along to celebrate.
There's sure to be a string of hits and guaranteed you'll know more than a few of the lyrics.
Regina & Area
Pageantry Continues
It's a full day party to celebrate what this country's aboriginal people mean to us.
Dancers of all ages will strut their stuff in Wascana Park this weekend. (NAD-Regina)
Saturday marks National Aboriginal Day and there's huge plans in the Queen City.
In the heart of Wascana Park there will be cultural demonstrations, traditional food and, of course, a powwow.
You can even learn how to build a Metis cart with your kids.
Sit back and enjoy the dancing and drums. The celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. CST and runs all day.
Flingin' Mud
It's wild, it's dirty and it's a whole lot of fun for the whole family.
The bikes will fly around the track just northeast of Regina. (James Lissimore)
The Rockstar Energy Motocross National Series races are in Regina this weekend.
Racers from all around the world will compete in the series.
Regina's races are round four in the Summer tour, featuring professional calibre racers and cash prizes.
Yukon Blonde and Hollerado will perform at a cabaret following the races.
Regina Moto Valley Raceway is North East of Regina on Tower Road.
One Of A Kind
It's a chance to celebrate local artisans and maybe take some of their wares home.
Facepainting and fun waits for you at Bazaart this Saturday. (MacKenzie Art Gallery)
Bazaart is a fun filled day of crafts and locally made treasures.
It's all happening down on the front lawn of the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
Aside from the shopping, there will be face painting, and performances by the Andino Suns and Close Talker.
Get shopping Saturday!
It you have an event you'd like included in Brit's Picks, send her the details.
Email: britainy.robinson@cbc.ca OR Twitter: @britrobcbc
